Footwear With Refractive Internal Illumination

ABSTRACT

A footwear with refractive internal illumination has a footwear, a translucent body, an illumination system and a liner. The footwear has a sole section and an upper. The upper has an opaque light refracting section. The illumination system has a power source and at least one light source. The at least one light source is electrically connected to the power source. A light wavelength of light emitted from the at least one light source is approximate to a light wavelength of light emitted through the opaque light refracting section. The upper is connected to the sole section. The at least one light source is connected to the translucent body. The translucent body is housed in between the liner and the opaque light refracting section.

The current application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/188,576 filed on Jul. 3, 2015, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/093,505 filed on Apr. 7, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear. More specifically,the present invention relates to a footwear with refractive internalillumination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Light is electromagnetic waves which comprise an enormous range offrequencies and this continuous range of frequencies is known as theelectromagnetic spectrum. Within the electromagnetic spectrum is thespectrum of visible light, which is a very narrow band of wavelengthslocated to the right of the infrared region and to the left of theultraviolet region. Each individual wavelength within the spectrum ofvisible light wavelengths is representative of a particular color. Thatis, when light of that particular wavelength strikes the retina of oureye, we perceive that specific color sensation. For example, we seegrass as green because grass absorbs all light frequencies of wavelengthexcept green which it reflects back. Though electromagnetic waves existin a vast range of wavelengths, our eyes are sensitive to only a verynarrow band. Since this narrow band of wavelengths is the means by whichhumans see, we refer to it as the visible light spectrum and it wasIsaac Newton that divided the light spectrum into seven named colors,Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet.

When all the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum strike your eyeat the same time, white is perceived. The sensation of white is not theresult of a single color of light. Rather, the sensation of white is theresult of a mixture of two or more colors of light. Technicallyspeaking, white is not a color at all, at least not in the sense thatthere is a light wave with a wavelength that is characteristic of white.Rather, white is the combination of all the colors of the visible lightspectrum. If all the wavelengths of the visible light spectrum give theappearance of white, then none of the wavelengths would lead to theappearance of black. Once more, black is not actually a color.Technically speaking, black is merely the absence of the wavelengths ofthe visible light spectrum.

A red laser will pop all colors of a balloon except for red and white. Ared laser does not pop a red balloon because the wavelength of the redlaser matches the wavelength of the red balloon, thus the red lasersimply reflects off the surface of the red balloon. White on the otherhand, reflects the full light spectrum, thus all wavelengths of lightreflect off a white balloon, therefore no color of laser will pop awhite balloon.

Light has several optical properties of interest, especially relating tohow light behaves at the boundary between mediums. Generally light isrefracted or reflected at boundaries, and in some cases both phenomenaoccur. With the appropriate configurations, such refractions andreflections can be manipulated to internally illuminate physical bodies,such as components of a footwear. The internally illuminated effect isenhanced by providing for multiple refractions of light, which result inamplified brightness and intensity of observed light.

The present invention describes a number of applications based ontwice-refracted light with regards to footwear. Twice-refracted lightbenefits a variety of footwear types, including both open footwear suchas sandals and closed footwear such as boots. The twice-refracted light(resulting from internal refraction) is not only a new innovation forilluminated footwear, it also enhances additional visual features e.g.letters, logos, and further aesthetic designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration showing an open footwear embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustration showing a closed footwear embodimentof the present invention, with illumination system visible.

FIG. 3 is a right side illustration showing the closed footwearembodiment of the present invention, with an aesthetic design added.

FIG. 4 is an assembly view showing a translucent body and an upper ofthe open footwear embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a layered view showing an aesthetic design created by arefractive section of an upper of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a layered view showing an aesthetic design created by atranslucent body of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an assembly view showing an aesthetic design created by astencil of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing effects of a cavity style boundary sectionon refraction of light.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing effects of a material style boundary sectionon refraction of light.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing cavity style boundary sections alonga translucent body of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing material style boundary sectionsalong a translucent body of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration showing an embodiment utilizing translucentextrusions to create an aesthetic design.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view showing the use of channels to create anaesthetic design.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing an embodiment of the translucentbody which contains extruded members.

FIG. 15 is an assembled illustration showing the embodiment of thetranslucent body which contains extruded members.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an enhanced internal illumination effectcreated by twice-refracted light.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

While the present invention is described in relation to footwear 1, thepresent invention may be adapted for other categories includingbackpacks, hats, outwear, safety vests, pet collars, leashes, and vests.

The present invention is a new innovation for illuminated footwear 1that applies twice-refracted light to create an enhanced internalillumination effect. To this end, the present invention comprises afootwear 1, a translucent body 2, and an illumination system 3. Theillumination system 3 is connected to the translucent body 2, and isintegrated into the footwear 1 in order to produce the twice-refractedinternal illumination. The footwear 1, more specifically, comprises asole section 11 and an upper 12. The illumination system 3 comprises apower source 31, electrical wires 311 and an at least one light source32. In an open footwear embodiment, the upper 12 comprises at least onecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13. In a closed footwear embodiment,the upper 12 comprises an opaque light refracting section 18. Wherebythe at least one light source 32 is connected to the translucent body 2.The translucent body 2 is housed within the upper 12, allowing it tointernally illuminate the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or theopaque light refracting section 18, of upper 12. The power source 31 iselectrically connected to the at least one light source 32, byelectrical wires 311. As later elaborated upon, different embodiments ofthe present invention may require different properties of thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refractingsection 18. More specifically, the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13or the opaque light refracting section 18 must be capable of refractinglight, and reflecting light. Certain materials are considered to besuitable for the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaquelight refracting section 18. For example, a nylon or polyester materialthat is opaque but also capable of refracting light is an ideal choice.Such material may be used in the production of footwear and may beformed into a strap or a cylindrical strap, which is typically used inthe production of “sport” sandals, or formed into a flat sheet, which istypically used in the production of closed footwear, yet capable ofrefracting light.

Potentially, for a sandal style footwear 1 or a boot style footwear 1,the translucent body 2 enclosed within the upper 12 can be located inthe sole section 11. In other words, a portion of the translucent body 2may extend into the sole section 11. Correspondingly, the light source32 (which is connected to the translucent body 2) is also housed withinthe sole section 11, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, in the openfootwear embodiment, for some constructions, while the first end 15 andthe second end 16 of the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 areattached to the sole section 11, the connection point of the lightsource 32 is located at the base of the upper 12 rather than inside thesole section 11. In the closed footwear embodiment, for someconstructions, while the opaque light refracting section 18 are attachedto the sole section 11, the connection point of the light source 32 islocated at the base of the upper 12 rather than inside the sole section11.

The twice-refracted light of the present invention can be implementedinto an open style footwear 1 (e.g. sandal or flip flop), as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the twice-refracted light can be implemented intoa closed style footwear 1 (e.g. a shoe or a boot), as shown in FIG. 2and FIG. 3. While these and further embodiments of the present inventionare possible, the utilization of twice-refracted light is constantacross all embodiments of the present invention. Light, originating atthe at least one light source 32, internally illuminates the translucentbody 2, where light is then first refracted from the translucent body 2,reflected between the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or theopaque light refracting section 18 and the translucent body 2, and againrefracted a second time from the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13or the opaque light refracting section 18. The resulting twice-refractedlight illuminates large surface areas, or entire surface areas of thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refractingsection 18 of the upper 12. The second refraction of light alsocompletes the transfer of ornamentation from the translucent body 2 andalong the exterior surface area of the cylindrical elongated opaquestrap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18 of the upper 12, asimplemented by some embodiments (elaborated upon later) of the presentinvention.

The light emitted from the at least one light source 32 has a wavelengththat is matching and or is approximate to that of the cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18 ofupper 12, which allows for the light to be refracted by the cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18after first being refracted by the translucent body 2. The cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18 ofupper 12 is thus internally illuminated, and can be further enhancedwith ornamentations, by way of additional refraction on a separateindice as later detailed.

In the open-footwear embodiment, the upper 12 comprises the at least onecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13. Such embodiments are not limitedto a single strap; for example, two straps with a thong can be utilized.In this configuration, the translucent body 2 is enclosed within thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 of upper 12. That is, thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 serves as a sleeve for thetranslucent body 2. The cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 could bepartially opaque. In other words, the cylindrical elongated opaque strap13 itself may comprise an opaque part and a light impermeable part 14.The cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 itself preferably comprisesthe first end 15 and the second end 16, with each end being adjacentlyconnected to the sole section 11 of the footwear 1. Resultantly, a gapbetween the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 and the sole section11 is formed. A user's foot, or parts thereof, may be positioned in theformed gap. This allows for the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 toanchor a user's foot to the sole section 11. FIG. 4 shows an examplecross section of the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 for thisembodiment.

In a closed footwear embodiment, the upper 12 further comprises a liner17. The liner 17 serves as a backing for the translucent body 2, as wellas an interior layer of the upper 12. As with the cylindrical elongatedopaque strap 13, which serves as a sleeve for the translucent body 2,the translucent body 2 is housed between the liner 17 and the opaquelight refracting section 18 of upper 12. While the translucent body 2 isnow encased by the opaque light refracting section 18, as with the firstembodiment, the translucent body 2 is positioned adjacent to the opaquelight refracting section 18 in order to create twice-refracted light asearlier elaborated upon. It is noted that while this embodiment isdescribed as being for closed footwear, it could be applied to an openfootwear such as a sandal; in such an adaptation, the liner 17 and thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 serve as a singularly flat strapwhich can be attached to the sole section 11 of a sandal or similar openfootwear, while encasing the translucent body 2. The liner 17 may bemade of a reflective material to enhance brightness and illumination ofthe present invention. An example of this is provided via FIG. 7.

In this closed footwear embodiment, it is possible to createornamentations on the upper 12 through various means. Commonly, suchornamentations are alphanumeric or graphic images formed in combinationwith the translucent body 2, which is internally illumined by the atleast one light source 32. The images can be “positive” or “negative”. Apositive image is one in which light refracted from the translucent body2 illuminates the positive space, i.e. that of the image itself. Anegative image is one in which the refracted light illuminates thenegative space, i.e. the area around the image. A few examples of howimages may be formed with this embodiment of the present invention aredetailed below.

Potentially, the upper 12 comprises the opaque light refracting section18. The opaque light refracting section 18, like that of the cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13, is opaque and allows for twice refractedlight to be viewed by an outside viewer (e.g. a person). The opaquelight refracting section 18 is configured into an aesthetic design 4.The aesthetic design 4 can be writing (i.e. alphanumeric characters), animage (e.g. a logo), or a combination thereof. The aesthetic design 4 isformed as a positive image in this example; emitting twice refractedlight in the form of the image, rather than of the negative spacesurrounding the image. This configuration is illustrated through FIG. 5.

In another example, the upper 12 comprises the opaque light refractingsection 18. However, the opaque light refracting section 18 is notconfigured into an aesthetic design 4 as with the previous example.Instead, the translucent body 2 itself is configured into an aestheticdesign 4. This still results in a positive image being formed, asdescribed with the previous embodiment, but the aesthetic design 4itself is created via the translucent body 2 rather than the opaquelight refracting section 18. The translucent body 2 is adjacentlyconnected to the opaque light refracting section 18 whereby theaesthetic design 4 appears across the opaque light refracting section 18by way of twice refracted light. This configuration is illustrated inFIG. 6.

In a third example, the upper 12 comprises the opaque light refractingsection 18, as with the previous two examples. Furthermore, alight-impermeable stencil 19 is provided. The light-impermeable stencil19 is adjacently connected to the opaque light refracting section 18, ona side of the upper 12 that is opposite and overlaid with thetranslucent body 2. The light-impermeable section is configured into anaesthetic design 4, such that emitted light illuminates the negativespace around the aesthetic design 4; thus the design is created in thenegative. This is in reverse of the previously described examples, wherea positive image is formed. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7.

It is noted that for a boot style footwear 1 with aesthetic design 4, itis obvious that the connection point of the light source 32 to thetranslucent body 2 (and more specifically the aesthetic design 4) wouldbe located in the boot shaft, rather than the sole section 11.

In both of the aforementioned embodiments (i.e. closed footwear and openfootwear), enhancements can be made to the translucent body 2 for animproved illumination effect. One such enhancement is a plurality ofrefractive boundary sections 5 which are positioned along thetranslucent body 2. Given a first refractive index 51 of the translucentbody 2 and a second refractive index 52 of the plurality of boundarysections, enhanced refraction of light is created as light passesbetween the translucent body 2 and the plurality of refractive boundarysections 5. The path of the light is shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Thespecific size, shape, and number of boundary sections 5 is variable andcan change between different embodiments of the present invention. Suchadditions as the second refractive index 52, as created by cavities 54,of boundary sections 5, is an enhancement over the first refraction oflight, refractive index 51 i.e. from the translucent body 2. One benefitof note is increased intensity and brightness of illumination of thefootwear 1, obtained from extrusions 53 and cavities 54 as subsequentlydiscussed. Several variations of enhancing the refraction of light areprovided via FIG. 8-FIG. 12.

In another example, the plurality of refractive boundary sections 5 isformed as a plurality of cavities 54. The plurality of cavities 54traverses into the translucent body 2, creating holes along thetranslucent body 2 that serve to refract light on a different index fromthat light which is otherwise refracted from the translucent body 2. Thecavities 54 may traverse partially into or completely through thetranslucent body 2, as preferred by a manufacturer or other entity.Cavities 54, of boundary sections 5 may be formed as ornamental imagessuch as graphics, letters or logos, all of which will refract light on adifferent index from that light otherwise refracted from the translucentbody 2. As earlier specified, the first refracted light from thetranslucent body 2 is refracted a second time by the cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18, ofthe upper 12. This is also true with the light which is refracted bycavities 54 of boundary sections 5, however being that cavities 54refract light at a different index, this second index of light, whenrefracted a second time, further enhances the cylindrical elongatedopaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18 with theornamentation of graphics, letters or logos which appear in a muchbrighter light along the surface of the cylindrical elongated opaquestrap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18, compared to thattwice-refracted light which was first refracted by the translucent body2, and not cavities 54. These cavities 54 are shown via FIG. 8 and FIG.10.

Potentially, cavities 54 may be filled with a boundary material 55. Theboundary material 55 may be opaque (i.e. non-light refracting) ortranslucent. If translucent, the translucent boundary material 55 willrefract light on a different index from that light which is otherwiserefracted from the translucent body 2, such as when cavities 54 are leftempty. Application of a boundary material 55 is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.11.

Alternatively, cavities 54 can be replaced with translucent extrusions53. Extrusions 53 are formed by a plurality of ridges and or bumps,rising above the surface area of translucent body 2. Extrusions 53 mayreplace the cavities 54 and or be used in combination with cavities 54,thus comprising boundary sections 5. As with cavities 54, suchextrusions 53 will refract light on a different index than that lightotherwise refracted by the translucent body 2, and may be used to formornamental images such as graphics, letters or logos. An example of anembodiment with such extrusions 53 is provided via FIG. 12.

Cavities 54, of boundary sections 5, whether filled or left empty byboundary material 55, may be enhanced by means of a coarse surface. Inother words, miniature features may be integrated long the surface ofthe boundary sections 5, with each such feature further enhancing therefraction of light. A coarse surface is applicable to both “empty” and“filled” (with boundary material 55) boundary section embodiments. Evenin embodiments where boundary sections 5 are omitted, a coarse surfacecan be provided directly to the translucent body 2, still resulting inan improved refraction of light.

Ultimately, the present invention addresses the application oftwice-refracted light to a footwear 1. Variations and enhancements tosuch twice-refracted light, as described heretofore, remain possible.

Further possibilities for integrating aesthetic designs 4 into the upper12 exist. For example, in one potential embodiment channels 6 can be cutinto the upper 12. These channels 6 can be configured into aestheticdesigns 4 for the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaquelight refracting section 18 of the upper 12. The formed cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18 issharply defined by the channels 6, allowing for highly-defined aestheticdesigns 4 to be applied to a footwear 1. A further possibility is theapplication of channels to a light-impermeable section; the channels 6cut through the light-impermeable section to allow for the passage oflight. When the channels 6 are configured into an aesthetic design 4,the light creates a positive image, as compared to the earlier exampleof a negative image formed by a light-impermeable stencil 19. An exampleof such is provided by FIG. 13.

Expanding upon embodiments which utilize channels 6, furtherpossibilities include the use of extrusions 53, penetrating throughchannels 6, no matter if channels 6 are utilized in the cylindricalelongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refraction section 18 ofthe upper 12. Thus, extrusions 53 can be exposed through the upper 12and give the appearance of individual illumination sources. Effectively,each extrusion 53 would be illuminated as if it had a correspondingillumination source. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 serve as example illustrationsfor this potential embodiment.

More significant alterations are possible for the present invention, thefollowing example being of note. Though not twice refracting, LED lightssuch as those mounted to a thin flexible strip, can replace thetranslucent body 2, resulting in light being refracted once. In such anembodiment, light from the at least one light source 32 would berefracted by the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaquelight refracting section 18, resulting in radiant light across thesurface of the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque lightrefracting section 18, as viewed by an outside viewer.

As previously mentioned, the present invention provides an illuminatedfootwear 1 that applies twice-refracted light to create an enhancedinternal illumination effect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the translucent body 2 is configuredto refract light, the footwear 1 is configured such that the light thenreflects between the translucent body 2 and the cylindrical elongatedopaque strap 13 or the opaque light refracting section 18, and thecylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque light refractingsection 18 is configured to then refract the light to createtwice-refracted light, whereby the twice-refracted light internallyilluminates the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaquelight refracting section 18.

Additionally, as previously mentioned, enhancements can be made to thetranslucent body 2 for an improved illumination effect.

Please refer to FIGS. 8-16, in the embodiment that the translucent body2 comprises the plurality of refractive boundary sections 5, thetranslucent body 2 is configured to refract light at the firstrefractive index 51, the plurality of cavities 54 are configured torefract light at the second refractive index 52, the footwear 1 isconfigured such that the first refractive index of light and the secondrefractive index of light then reflect between the translucent body 2and the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque lightrefracting section 18, the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or theopaque light refracting section 18 is configured to then refract thefirst refractive index and second refractive index of light to createtwice-refracted light, whereby the first refractive index oftwice-refracted light and the second refractive index of twice-refractedlight internally illuminate the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 orthe opaque light refracting section 18, and whereby the secondrefractive index of twice-refracted light appears as brighter points oflight on the cylindrical elongated opaque strap 13 or the opaque lightrefracting section 18 as compared to the first refractive index oftwice-refracted light.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear with refractive internal illuminationcomprising: a footwear; a translucent body; an illumination system; thefootwear comprising a sole section and an upper; the upper comprising anopaque light refracting section and a liner; the illumination systemcomprising a power source and at least one light source; the at leastone light source being electrically connected to the power source; alight wavelength of light emitted from the at least one light sourcebeing approximate to a light wavelength of light emitted through theopaque light refracting section; the upper being connected to the solesection; the at least one light source being connected to thetranslucent body; the translucent body being housed in between theopaque light refracting section and the liner; and the translucent bodybeing configured to refract light, the footwear being configured suchthat the light then reflects between the translucent body and the opaquelight refracting section, the opaque light refracting section beingconfigured to then refract the light to create twice-refracted light,whereby the twice-refracted light internally illuminates the opaquelight refracting section.
 2. The footwear with refractive internalillumination as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the opaque lightrefracting section being connected to the sole section.
 3. The footwearwith refractive internal illumination as claimed in claim 1 comprising:the opaque light refracting section being configured into an aestheticdesign; and the aesthetic design being configured to be delineated bythe light in response to the light being emitted from the at least onelight source.
 4. The footwear with refractive internal illumination asclaimed in claim 1 comprising: the translucent body being configuredinto an aesthetic design; and the aesthetic design being configured tobe delineated by the light in response to the light being emitted fromthe at least one light source.
 5. The footwear with refractive internalillumination as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a light-impermeablestencil; the light-impermeable stencil being adjacently connected to theopaque light refracting section, opposite the translucent body; thelight-impermeable stencil being configured into an aesthetic design; andthe aesthetic design being configured to be delineated by the light inresponse to the light being emitted from the at least one light source.6. The footwear with refractive internal illumination as claimed inclaim 1 comprising: the translucent body comprising a plurality ofrefractive boundary sections; the plurality of refractive boundarysections comprising a plurality of cavities; the translucent bodycomprising a first refractive index; each of the plurality of refractiveboundary sections comprising a second refractive index; and thetranslucent body being configured to refract light at the firstrefractive index, the plurality of cavities being configured to refractlight at the second refractive index, the footwear being configured suchthat the first refractive index of light and the second refractive indexof light then reflect between the translucent body and the opaque lightrefracting section, the opaque light refracting section being configuredto then refract the first refractive index and second refractive indexof light to create twice-refracted light, whereby the first refractiveindex of twice-refracted light and the second refractive index oftwice-refracted light internally illuminate the opaque light refractingsection, and whereby the second refractive index of twice-refractedlight appears as brighter points of light on the opaque light refractingsection as compared to the first refractive index of twice-refractedlight.
 7. The footwear with refractive internal illumination as claimedin claim 6 comprising: the plurality of refractive boundary sectionsbeing disposed along the translucent body.
 8. The footwear withrefractive internal illumination as claimed in claim 6 comprising: thesecond refractive index being different from the first refractive index.9. The footwear with refractive internal illumination as claimed inclaim 6 comprising: the plurality of refractive boundary sectionscomprising a plurality of translucent extrusions; the plurality oftranslucent extrusions being disposed along the translucent body; andthe plurality of translucent extrusions being covered by the opaquelight refracting section.
 10. The footwear with refractive internalillumination as claimed in claim 6 comprising: the plurality of cavitiestraversing into the translucent body.
 11. The footwear with refractiveinternal illumination as claimed in claim 6 comprising: a boundarymaterial; the boundary material being positioned into each of theplurality of cavities; and the plurality of refractive boundary sectionsbeing delineated by the plurality of cavities.
 12. The footwear withrefractive internal illumination as claimed in claim 1 comprising: aportion of the translucent body extending into the sole section; the atleast one light source being connected to the portion of the translucentbody; and the at least one light source being housed within the solesection.